November 4, 2018

November 4, 2018

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Intention: That all people will work together tirelessly to bring peace and safety to those whose homes are being torn by war or shattered by crime.

Today’s Gospel | Mark 12:28b-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

From the First Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle

God is so good that having created us, he wills that all of us come to the knowledge of the truth. This truth is God and what God has desired to reveal to us through Jesus Christ, through the holy Apostles, and through his Church. This is why God wills all people to be instructed, so that their minds may be enlightened by the light of faith.

We cannot be instructed in the mysteries of our holy religion unless we have the good fortune to hear about them, and we cannot have this advantage unless someone preaches the word of God. For how can people believe in someone, the Apostle says, about whom they have not heard anyone speak, and how can they hear him spoken about if no one proclaims him to them?

This is what God does by diffusing the fragrance of his teaching throughout the whole world by human ministers. Just as he commanded light to shine out of darkness, so he kindles a light in the hearts of those destined to announce his word to children, so that they may be able to enlighten those children by unveiling for them the glory of God.

Prayer

Eternal Father, your Son taught that we should live our lives with humility and gratefulness for the gifts of your love and redemption. It is by your grace that we hear your word and come to know your salvation. Help us to overcome any self-righteousness that exists in our hearts. Give us ears to hear your voice and help us to be instruments of your message to others, especially those who are most in need of your peace and healing. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever.